Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto, right, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel shake hands for the press after a joint statement at the National Palace in Mexico City, Friday, June 9, 2017. AP

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she spoke with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto about two of the country's touchiest subjects: journalist murders and widespread disappearances.

The German leader says she was pleased to hear about steps to protect journalists. Six have been killed in Mexico so far this year.

In a joint news conference in Mexico City Friday, Merkel said she expected meetings about Great Britain's exit from the European Union to begin within days of that country forming a new government.

Both leaders expressed optimism about the upcoming renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement demanded by President Donald Trump. Pena Nieto says he hopes a "global" agreement between Mexico and the European Union could be finalized by year's end.